Archive for the ‘Newsletter’ Category

It shouldn’t go without saying that the raw energy of Africa, for any of have set foot upon the continent, is palpable. You can travel all over the world and you will not find anything with the same feel to it. It is as standing where Mother Earth gives birth – it is alive, vibrating, clear, dangerous – every sensation that takes us back to our beginnings. It defies us to tame it, if we were to even be so naive as to contemplate it.

This time our selection draws from this primeval energy and brings a small selection of works which connect us to the spirits of Africa.

Dane is a truly talented landscape painter and his works are consistently popular on SouthAfricanArtists.com.

In this piece he superbly captures the scene at sunset which evokes in all who see it the sounds and smells hanging in the warm evening air.

He works tirelessly in the subject areas he loves and gives so much back into the community. These are works of the highest quality.

Benjamin is another artist with whom we have worked for many years and whose works now adorn walls all around the world.

His style, as exemplified here, is forever upbeat – invariably a study of groups of people in everyday situations yet these are works which are alive and vibrant. We are transported across time and space to be among these characters. Can’t you just feel that hot sand between your toes?

You wouldn’t think that Zebras could offer the scope for texture and technique that they do but this work by newly-listed artist, Carl Verster, just oozes character.

We have a window onto the soul of this beautiful creature as he holds our gaze and Carl brings to it his own great eye for detail and shading. Part of a series of Zebra studies, this and any of its counterparts would make a great display in any home or office.

"There is no must in art because art is free."
– Wassily Kandinsky

New Artists

We have talented new artists coming on the site all the time and in recent weeks we have welcomed the following who have already listed a number of excellent works:

"A good painter has two main objects to paint, man and the intention of his soul. The former is easy, the latter hard as he has to represent it by the attitude and movement of the limbs."- Leonardo da Vinci

As we reach the mid-year point and a long holiday period let’s take our minds off work for moment, away from our daily humdrum and take a look around our beautiful planet. Even though Mother Earth can be a hard taskmaster sometimes and we can never take her for granted, there is so much around to inspire us – even in the heart of the city you will find a small dandelion shoot pushing its way up through the cracks in the pavement.

With an increasing awareness of ecological issues we should never neglect to remember that it is we humans who are truly vulnerable. If we do not respect nature and look after our environment, it is very likely we who will pay the ultimate price; history, long and true, can teach us many lessons about the power of nature to correct "problems"!

This month’s trio of interesting South African art works might provoke some thought, stir the memory and the imagination.

There’s something wonderful about the fig tree, ficus carica , and this respresentation by Amanda Jephson, one of our recently listed artists captures it beautifully.

The twisting members of tree in the foreground, itself a witness to the scene, tell us of its life in the wild – in the elements, bearing fruit, drinking in the rainwater when it comes and soaking up the sun.

There are nearly 100 different strands to the ficus family, its ancestry stretching back an estimated 80 million years, one of the most truly ancient to be found in the countryside. As a symbol, the fig tree and its fruit crops up in a number of religions and mythologies but don’t get hung up on those meanings – what does it say to you?

Following this theme of desertion, the artist creates a scene of profound mood and emotion. The figure of a child stares into the empty room where a curtain blows in the breeze from an open window. Has the loved one jumped? It’s a haunting work that stays with you long after, as it resonates with feelings we all have of being left and alone. The enhancement of the light on the curtain contrasted with the subdued tones of the room all create a work of huge atmosphere and drama.

Another work that has only recently completed, Hester Correia’s Theatre of the Mind was inspired by one of the soccer stadiums under construction for the 2010 World Cup. That theatre is where dreams will be played out as they are in our minds, here’s the stage, what is the play today? Does it run the same every day or does the curtain rise for you on a new production?

" My hands were too soft.. I had to find some special occupation, some kind of work that would not force me to turn away from the sky and the stars, that would allow me to discover the meaning of life. "- Marc Chagall

New ArtistsWe have talented new artists coming on the site all the time and in recent weeks we have welcomed the following who have already listed a number of excellent works:

We’ve sailed past a couple of major milestones in the last few weeks. First we saw the 25,000th work uploaded to the site (though this seems to have only upped the pace and we’re now half way on towards hitting 30,000). Then just last week we were really pleased to list our 2,000th artist, please extend a warm welcome to Jill Kelly !

We appreciate that with this choice comes something of a challenge to customers to find exactly what you’re after and we’re working hard on enhancing the search and selection tools on the site as well as assisting the artists to make sure that all works are categorised and keyworded effectively. If you do need further help then you can call or email us and we would be very happy to assist you in your selection.
We’ve picked a triad of inspiring works below to get you started and as you delve deeper you’ll find all manner of superb art and imagery within our online art galleries.

The theme of a lighthouse is not new, but handled superbly by the photographer, this work takes on a unique look. Black and white, with only the lighthouse retaining red, it is a powerful work, both symbolically and compositionally. Through the wild furious storm, the lighthouse becomes a symbol of resurrection helping us find the way back to the calm, enhanced by the dove balancing on its top. Does the theme of being the strength against the storm inspire you? Then this work will surely do so to.

Looking for something quirky and uniquely African in feel? This wonderfully colourful print of a leopard clutching onto its kill is sure to delight. The work is part of a series illustrating African folk tales and of the artists’s varied styles, is the one that I personally find the most pleasing. It would look great in an ethnic African type room or if you’re feeling generously inclined towards your offspring, it would be fun in a child’s bedroom.

A mother hyena lies with her cubs in the coolness of a dry riverbed. She gazes attentively and protectively at her offspring. It’s unusual to see hyenas, so often despised as the rats of the mammal world, given such a place of importance in a work. Yet there is clearly admiration for her role from the artist and lovers of wildlife will be drawn to the work, which is skillfully depicted in traditional oils.

" Every good painter paints what he is. "
– Jackson Pollock

New Artists

We have talented new artists coming on the site all the time and in recent weeks we have welcomed the following who have already listed a number of excellent works:

We have a number of Frans Claerhout silkscreen prints available on offer as a set of four. These delightful prints in Fr Claerhout’s inimitable style are signed by the artist and are a wonderful opportunity for collectors and Claerhout fans alike.

The set of four prints together is available at a special price of US$250 (GBP 125, EUR 175/R 1600) and can be shipped by airmail.

To order, simply add the following works to your cart and enter the Promotional code "CLAERHOUT DECEMBER" when you process your order through the checkout.

As the hectic Christmas period pops up on our calendars once more, we turn our attention to family and friends, our life and our world, beginning to reflect upon a year about to pass and what the new one might hold in store for us.

Art and imagery is such a strong anchor for the memories and events in our life and strongly evocative of the people and places that pass before us. You will rarely tire of quality art – more you will find new depths and new detail that comes into fresh focus over time – it is a truly magical medium…

We’re here to help and if you need any assistance or guidance in making your selection, our team is only an email or phone call away to help you pick out just the right piece.

This selection of artists featured here would be a great start for finding a unique Christmas present for someone in your life – you might even want to spoil yourtself!

This Malawian born artist is most known for paintings of elongated figures in bright colours. In "Harvest", a line of six workers carry their pickings in baskets. The unique figures owe their heritage to ants and play an integral part in the themes of workers and their tasks which feature so prominently in Bon’s work. Set against a fiery background of textured reds, yellows and brown’s there is no attempt at realism, rather the artist has opted for stylistic representation of her subjects. Some may argue that the works lack the authentic sweat and grime of the actual work experience, however seen as ants against a vast background of fiery. Africa the figures have their own message to tell.

Raymond Andrews’ Work is simply magnificent – bold, bright, deep and demanding. His works relate the alchemical nature of life and being. Transformation and passage with rich symbolism that captivates and challenges; at a turn a new detail or feature to draw you in further. Yet stand back and gaze upon these huge works and soak in their splendour and you too may be taken on a journey. Big wall stuff.

Refreshingly different, Ballot’s work can’t help but appeal. Sensitively drawn colour etchings, screen prints, drawings and pastel paintings delve into past culture and present globalisation. Her series of etchings of the elements are fresh and show a quirky approach to composition and would be great bought as a series. "Homage to Role model" is a surreal look at the ties that bind us, while flying jellies hover over shells in "Huguenot Matrix" – make of that what you will!

Looking for something more metaphysical, mystical and feminine for the walls of a special meditative space? Lesley’s works are "moments of definition," in her personal journey, which may well touch inner emotions within yourself – we are after all, all on a similar journey. The feminine, watery aspect is very apparent in her work, together with surreal symbols of bones, birth, re-birth, organic shapes and soft, whimsical colours. Clearly this artist is using her own journey to assist us to understand our own in an uplifting and serenely beautiful manner.

" It grieves me greatly that I cannot recapture my past. I can only offer you my future, which is short, for I am too old. "
– Michelangelo

New Artists

We have talented new artists coming on the site all the time and in recent weeks we have welcomed the following who have already listed a number of excellent works:

This weekend marked the equinox – the transition between the light and dark halves of the year. Looking back and giving thanks for what we have had, that which has nourished us and filled our hearts, fuelled our passions and stirred our spirits and looking forward too with hope and anticipation of what is yet to come our way.

So our theme for this time is shadows and light and some wonderful South African artfrom the site that takes us on a journey between these realms…

We’re here to help and if you need any assistance or guidance in making your selection, our team is only an email or phone call away to help you pick out just the right piece.

This small selection of artists featured here might whet your appetite for a new addition to your home or office space:

Human forms emerge from eerie blue backgrounds like prisoners straining to find form and purpose. There is a haunting beauty in the figures surrounded in a halo of mystical light. In some works such as "Victory", the human form is barely recognisable yet an air of achievement pervades the painting. Occasionally the figures appear without all their limbs – reminiscent of ancient Greek statues, they entice the viewer into their drama. "Entering at Night" has a Surreal melancholy about it which draws the viewer inwards to see his own psyche mirrored in the figure and in its reflection one finds great beauty.

Ria van den Heever’s "Hope", rich in symbolism and comprising aspects of the dark and the light, really calls out to the viewer. Offering questions and answers it is not a lightweight piece to be hang looking pretty on your wall, rather a work that demands you think, provoking study and close inspection. It’s unlikely you would ever tire of scraping back its layers and the personal meanings it holds for you.

Kruger states "The ability of the Gemsbok to survive in desert conditions has always fascinated me. I find the high dunes of Sossus vlei an interesting backdrop to one of nature’s best examples of adaptation." This beautiful piece so clearly shows light and shadow and also portrays the journey of a solitary soul in a vast desert – a metaphor for our own lives, evocative and stirring of the imagination.

"Movement" by Beau van Zyl is another fine piece that plays with themes of light combined with movement and contrast of textures. The brilliance of the oil illuminates areas of the painting expertly and the equine curves that abound give softness yet agility to the overall work. What does it say to you?

" Inspiration is highly overrated. If you sit around and wait for the clouds to part, it’s not liable to ever happen. More often than not work is salvation. "
– Chuck Close

New Artists

We have talented new artists coming on the site all the time and in recent weeks we have welcomed the following who have already listed a number of excellent works:

We warmly welcome you to another superb showcase of African art this month.

We are delighted to say that the winners of our summer prize draw are G. Howard of Auckland, New Zealand who wins a Frans Claerhout silkscreen print and A. Chelouche of Connecticut, USA who wins a signed copy of Belinda Kruiper’s book "Kalahari Rainsong".

We’re here to help and if you need any assistance or guidance in making your selection, our team is only an email or phone call away to help you pick out just the right piece.

Were you aware that you can send a colorful eCard, free of charge and without the need to register, to anyone, anywhere in the world who has an email address?

We have seen some superb works being added to the site in recent weeks and here are just a few from our galleries that we have picked to tempt you with this month:

A figure of a stylized woman is shown with her left arm transformed into a tree. The figure is stylized and is not the smiling maternal figure we have come to know but rather one who looks disturbed (presumably by the newspaper reports that form part form the work.) Her one open eye, further shows that she is all seeing and wise. The tree however shows the new hope and growth that is arising which is why I see this work as one of hope rather than destruction.

Looking for something quirky? Tired of the old traditional view of Table Mountain? Here’s a painting to add a talking point to the braai. Imagine Table Mountain cloaked in leapard skin and you’ll get the picture. In portraying the mountain in its skin, the spots quickly start to resemble clumps of bushes, making those who abhor change at least sigh a slight sigh of relief that is not completely in turmoil. It’s a witty, fresh look at a subject that’s been painted (in the traditional manner) a million times over.

A narrow path winds through squatter shacks that take on an organic feel in the depths of their browns and ochres and the shapes that to the slightly unfocussed eye resemble bark. Usually poverty does not make for subject matter that one would necessarily want to live with, but this work carries none of the guilt that it could possibly have done. Intrinsic to the work is that although we are looking at a busy township, no people are to be seen which enhances the viewpoint hat you are looking at something grown from the earth rather than something constructed by man. It’s an unusual and pleasing take on the subject.